Violent scenarios abound
Four predictions about allowing guns in national parks [” ‘Penalties’ tacked on to credit-card bill,” Opinion, May 22]:
1. Irresponsible gun owners will take pot shots at road signs, use squirrels and deer for target practice or try their aim at interesting rock formations. Out of boredom and a desire for fun, these people’s gun shots will disturb the parks’ peace.
2. On hot summer days when the parking lots are crowded and campsites are in short supply, arguments over who claimed the campsite first are common. Out of anger, someone will get shot.
3. When a backpacker with a big, black backpack comes down the trail, he or she will be mistaken for a grizzly. Out of fear, he or she will be shot.
4. An irresponsible camper will leave food out at their campsite, attracting a bear. Out of fear, the bear will be shot.
It is likely children will witness all these events.
This new law destroys the environment we all go to the wilderness to find. Sad.
— David Blough, Issaquah
Both sides of gun debate should relax
Only “real” men carry guns? It is “manly” to own a gun? [“Defending oneself is not cowardly,” Opinion, Northwest Voices, June 5] Where in the world did all of this paranoia come from?
I am a former hunter and military vet who owns a gun. I am not anti-guns, but come on — let us all calm down and relax. The government doesn’t want to take your guns; although if you have an assault weapon, they should.
So let’s stop drinking the NRA Kool-Aid and get a grip.
— Terry Mercier, Woodinville